An Out-Of-Stater’s Fashion Guide to Gardening in Colorado

July 24, 2017 | Horticulture Intern

Coming from the East Coast, sun protection isn’t unheard of. For my first day working at the Gardens, I slathered on a healthy layering of sunscreen. As 9 o’clock came around the corner, the Japanese Garden volunteers filtered in.

They greeted me: “Good morning!” and “How are you?” However, these soon became a Twilight-zone-esque flood of inquiries relating to sun protection. “Where’s your hat?” and “Are you wearing sunscreen?” the volunteers asked.

Even Larry Jackel, the bonsai specialist at the Gardens, remarked, “Young lady, where is your hat? You need to keep your skin out of the sun, and that’s an order!” Colorado is a parallel universe where a well-meaning gardener asks you what SPF your sunscreen is the same way they ask what variety your newest garden addition of Penstemon is.

I went on for a few days without a hat until I got my first ever sunburn. Suddenly, the Colorado heat and UV was no joke.

Determined to fit in and follow the seemingly mandatory protocol for sun protection, this photo gallery outlines how I, as out-of-stater, prepare for the impending radiation exposure bound to happen in the Mile High City.

Author bio: Nurani Illahi is a rising junior at the University of Maryland. She is pursuing a degree in horticulture and enjoys educating the public on environmental issues and horticulture.

Gallery

Step 1. I put on a thick layer of sunscreen on these areas in addition to full body coverage on my exposed limbs, neck, and shins, usually with a fairly high SPF of 30 or above.

Step 2. Put on your thinking cap. It’ll give you a circle of protection from the harmful rays that you’re one mile closer to. Baseball caps are less effective at doing this; wide-brimmed hats will give you a solid uninterrupted circumference of shade.

Step 3. Wearing sunglasses is a great way to prevent damaging your eyes.

Step 4. Cover, cover, cover! This option is nice for those who don’t want a farmer’s tan or don’t mind sweating under layers. Putting more between the sun and yourself will greatly minimize sunburn or any other potential skin damage. If you don’t like layering, you can purchase sleeves with elastics to cover your arms.

If you’re a real DIY fiend, sleeves from old clothes will work–just snip them off and sew an elastic band where the wrist and shoulders fall. These sleeves can also be used for working with thorny plants like roses if you use a hardy fabric like denim.

Step 5. Last but not least, grab your water bottle and your ice pop because you’re a cool person doing cool things with your wardrobe in the name of sun protection. Saunter out feeling confident, well protected and fashion forward!

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